MLS Rumors: New York Red Bulls Set To Add Defensive Depth?

The New York Red Bulls need to address their lack of depth at the defensive line and they are close to reaching an agreement with a former FC Barcelona player.

According to several reports, New York are quite close to sealing a deal to bring 29-year-old Armando Lozano on a two-year contract after the defender cut ties with his current club Córdoba so he could negotiate with the MLS side. He is scheduled to travel to the US this week and if it all goes well, he would be set to join the team’s camp next week.

While it’s clear that Lozano is not a marquee name by any means, he does have some experience under his belt. The strong center back has made a career in Spain’s lower leagues — featuring stints with Barcelona B, Málaga and FC Cartagena — and he would inject some youth and toughness to a defensive group that only features 32-year-old Jamison Olave and 33-year-old Ibrahim Sekagya as reliable options.

The Red Bulls already lost Markus Holgersson this offseason and homegrown signing Matt Miazga is clearly a raw product, so Lozano’s arrival would solidify the back four instantly. He is not the only name the management is currently looking at — Venezuela international Ronald Vargas and Gambian youngster Madou Sowe could also sign in the coming days — but he is the one closer to seal the move to the Red Bull Arena.

Lozano signing would be a great addition for the New York side. His experience and quality would do wonders for a team that needs help on the defensive side of the ball. If the deal goes through, it’s another step that the franchise would take in order to mount a challenge in the upcoming season.